Anger from Kick a Ginger Day

Okay, now that I have calmed down a bit I think I can write about this. On Friday, November 20 people in Canada decided to follow the lead from a stupid character on the Southpark show that stated "All Gingers are stupid and should be kicked out". Some stupid people started a "National Kick a Ginger Day" on Facebook and - poof - somehow it started in America.

So Thursday (the day before) Devon came home afraid to go to school on Friday. He said kids had already approached him expecting to be allowed to kick him on Friday since he has red hair. We researched it on Google - and sure enough it was a there and on You Tube.

I emailed all Devon's teachers and his guidance counselor to "keep an eye out for people kicking him." Some wrote back - others didn't, but that was okay.

Friday came and went - all day I wondered about Devon while I was working at the middle school (where there was no sign of kids kicking red heads). Devon walked over to the middle school for a ride home. As soon as he got in the car he said he had been kicked over 80 times that day. 80 TIMES

Needless to say, this mom was furious! I (amazing myself) calmly called the school to speak to an administrator. He listened and asked me to provide him with names. I spent the next hour trying to convince Devon why it was important to tell me the events of the day including the names of the people that kicked him.

Well, Devon gave me the names of over 30 individuals - estimates that he was kicked over 80 times, starting before school and continuing before and after each class, including some times during class. I am sickened by the thought of this. At times it was a single person attacking him, while at other times there were as many as five boys kicking him repeatedly at the same time. Some boys were "friends" taking advantage of a "excuse of a day" while others were vicious - in either case I found it completely unacceptable and worthy of disciplinary action. He even ended up with some bruising on his legs.

All weekend long I had a sick feeling that the school wasn't going to do anything about it. I felt they would consider it "typical boy bantering." On Monday, I was working at Devon's school, so I quickly found out my answer. I was right. I shared my perspective, expressed my disappointment and tried my best to continue to act in a Christ-like manner.

To my surprise, the principal asked me to join her for a meeting (only 30 minutes into the day). I met with her and the other vice principals. They wanted to hear what I had to say. I explained that I realized some of the kids were "joking" around - as I said "taking advantage of an excuse to inflict pain" but that it was different than "friendly bantering". First, friendly bantering is mutual and based upon a repour and respect for each other. It's a term of enderment (boys are so wierd). This wasn't anything like that. This was only one way, and unwelcome. Some kicks came from behind, some were from people he didn't even know. Some surrounded him and didn't let up. I didn't want revenge....but I did want to have the opportunity to teach these boys that that is not acceptable.

It may have been "funny" to them, but it wasn't funny to Devon (nor me). The school took the matter very seriously and apologized for their earlier "lack of action". I was so happy!

Watch out for 11/20 next year if you have red hair!

GLEN OAKS LADIES

My Neighborhood Friends!

Peggy, Maureen, Me, Anne, Marilyn, and Fran

(Kelly missing)

Basketball Season has officially begun

Jump Ball! Go Jessica!

Defense!

Rebound Queen!


Okay, it actually started back in October when Jessica made the Varsity team at NOHS, but since she has been able to drive herself to practices I haven't felt it as much as I have in past years. (yippee)

So as of right now, Devon on a boys team, and Marissa and Jern Jern on a girls team play basketball! Practice every Wednesday and games every Saturday thru February. Robert wants to be on a team, but we haven't found the right one...so my new favorite ball is the basketball.

Now for the crazy part - remember how I was trying to learn to say no - well, it didn't work. When Jessica's coaches asked me to be the Team Parent - I said YES! Crazy I know, but I love the sport, team and girls! How could I not say YES.

HELP!

Sad thought

Last week our dear friends had to say goodbye to their precious 3 week old baby. I was so sad. Her name is Olivia. She was beautiful, but born with a fatal condition. Luckily our friends learned of her conditon what she was pregnant with Olivia so they could prepare themselves. More importantly, thank goodness we have the restored truth that families can be together forever through the sealing powers in the Holy Temples.

She was so small and precious. We will miss her - even though she is now in a much better place.

SAVIOR OF THE WORLD

It's all coming together ... I can't wait for this Thursday and Friday.

Since March of this year I and several other dedicated individuals have been planning and preparing to put on the LDS Production "Savior of the World: His Birth and Resurrection".

We have had to screen for 79 actors/actresses. Sew 130 costumes (with multiple pieces), create a set, paint a set, find props, practice, rehearse and practice and rehearse some more.

Now it's the week of the play! I'm so excited. Doesn't everyone look fantastic. Everyone is invited:

The play is being held at the Louisville Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - 1000 Hurstbourne Lane, Louisville, KY

Date: November 13, 20 and 21

Time: 7:00 p.m. (please be seated 10 minutes prior)

Appropriate for ages 8 and up

Peaceful times

I love it when the house is quiet, the kids (and Mark) are in bed and I have the house to myself. I can think, ponder, consider, pray, read, sew, scrapbook, blog, catch up on emails, do work, or whatever is the priority at that moment.

Right now it's 11:13 - outside the world looks so peaceful, calm and asleep.

That's were I'm going now...off to sleep. Sweet dreams everyone!

2nd Place at STATE CROSS COUNTRY

It's so amazing, but yes - Marissa came in second place at the Kentucky State Open Cross Country Meet.

She ran a 4K in 17:35.

So Proud of her!!!!!

HALLOWEEN 2009

Happy Halloween!!!
Jessica holding her traditional carved pumpkin

Jessica and Marissa with their jolly pumpkins

Jern Jern carving a pumpkin for the very first time!!!

Jessica and Robert - Robert as Anikan Skywalker

Robert looks so nice!

Robert and his best friend: Aaron (the soccer player)

"this is so yucky"

Jern Jern and Jessica carving pumpkins

Jessica decided to go as Harrietta Potter after dressing as the purple witch

Jern Jern - the green witch

Marissa (the orange witch)

The three witches and their mother...

Devon went as the annoying little brother.
He and I made the "scarecrow for a school project and turned him into the person that gave out our Halloween candy.

The Ladies of Laurel Lane

(friend, Paula, Maureen, Betsy, Ann, Marilyn and Fran)